Trip Introduction

For an extraordinary way to see mainland Ecuador, the 'Tapir' is packed with exciting and varied activities, wonderful scenery, and the chance to meet the local people. On this Ecuador adventure tour you’ll hike through virgin Amazon rainforest, around high volcanic plateaus and the fertile highlands surrounded by ‘The Valley of Volcanoes’. You’ll cycle down Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, visit an indigenous family, and soak in hot springs in an incredible Ecuadorian highland setting. You’ll go on a waterfall hike in the Amazon jungle, and explore Quito – Ecuador’s cosmopolitan and colonial highland capital city – it’s all here!

Interactive Trip Map

Daily itinerary

Sunday — Arrive Quito, explore Ecuadorian ranch

Your trip begins in Ecuador’s capital city, Quito. If you’re flying in today, your Active Adventures South America trip leader will meet you at the airport or your accommodation in the late morning. This afternoon, we’ll head to Cotopaxi, one of Ecuador’s most spectacular mountains in the heart of the Valley of the Volcanoes. Here we’ll make ourselves at home at Hacienda La Alegria, a typical, family-run Ecuadorian ranch, and meet our hosts, locals Gabriel and Patty. Try your hand at milking the cows, wander around and check out the amazing scenery, or just relax inside this beautiful home and enjoy Patty’s incredible cooking!Hacienda La Alegria, Cotopaxi (Lunch, Dinner)

Monday — Cycle down Cotopaxi volcano

The centrepiece of Cotopaxi National Park is the perfect cone-like, snow-capped peak of Cotopaxi at 5897 metres (19,347 feet). Today we cycle down one of the world's highest active volcanoes! You can ride downhill at your own pace through the volcanic landscape and beautiful lakes that encircle Cotopaxi, ending your ride at about 3000 metres (10,000 feet). The scenery is magical! Afterwards, we’ll drive through the 'Valley of the Volcanoes' to Baños, a beautiful mountain village in the Rio Pastaza Valley.Please note: Due to recent volcanic activity, some areas on Cotopaxi have been temporarily closed so we may not be able to complete our normal downhill ride. Please check in with us to see to if the area has re-opened as this could happen at any time. For our alternate option (if needed), we’ll be heading over to the neighbouring Antisana National Reserve for some awesome riding.Hotel Volcano, Baños (All meals)

Tuesday — Free time in Baños

Baños, nestled between the Rio Pastaza canyon and Tungurahua volcano, is a playground for adventure activities. There are lots of optional activities here, including canyoning, biking, rafting, horse riding and even salsa dancing lessons! The magnificent, subtropical cloud forest here offers incredible hikes and the town is charming too. There are hot springs, great cafés, a beautiful town square and rows of little stores along the sidewalk where the locals weave melocha (toffee).Hotel Volcano, Baños (Breakfast, Dinner)

Wednesday — Amazon jungle hike, visit an indigenous family

Today we’ll head out of Baños and down the Rio Pastaza Valley. The high cloud forest gives way to lush rainforest, sweeping all the way down the canyon walls into the river below as we descend into Ecuador’s Amazon jungle lowlands. After lunch we’ll journey by motorised canoe to visit the Amazonico Animal Rescue Centre where we can see volunteers helping threatened species, such as capybara, anaconda, ocelots and tucan, to readapt to their natural habitat, ready for release back into the wild. Afterwards we’ll take the time to visit a local Napo River family. This is a real highlight of the trip – you’ll learn how these small indigenous communities maintain their traditional ways of life and get some sense of the important role the rainforest plays in their lives. Itamandi Eco Lodge, Arajuno River (All meals)

Thursday — Waterfalls hike, soak in hot springs

We’ll travel deeper into the rainforest today and hike along a stream to a series of waterfalls. With our guides by your side, we’ll safely pick our way up through the plunging water. This is a wonderful chance to cool off and it’s a lot of fun! Once we’re above the waterfalls, we traverse a rainforest ridge to the trailhead. After lunch, we head back into the highlands to Papallacta, taking in the cloud forest and mountain views along the way. Tonight, we’ll soak in glorious hot springs that sit right outside our rooms.Termas Papallacta, Ecuadorian Cloud Forest (All meals)

Friday — Hike in Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve, Quito

This morning we’ll hike in the wet Andean grasslands, beginning at the South American continental divide around 3000 metres (10,000 feet) and make our way back down to the lodge. The weather here is changeable, so we have a variety of hikes to choose from depending on the conditions. This reserve, full of grasslands and little lakes, is the natural habitat of the spectacled bear, so we’ll keep our eyes peeled for the chance to see one. Then we’ll travel back to Quito where we’ll have the afternoon free to explore the city. We’ll meet again this evening for our final celebratory dinner in Ecuador.Hotel Sebastian, Quito (All meals)

Saturday — Quito, depart for home

Today is the last day of your 'Tapir' trip. If you have time to spare, we’re happy to help with some ideas for what you can do for the rest of your time here. You’ll return home relaxed and refreshed from all the great activities, fine food and friendly people you’ve met while travelling with us in Ecuador!(Breakfast)

Activity Key - zoom in to see activity detail

Itinerary

Sunday — Arrive Quito, explore Ecuadorian ranch

Your trip begins in Ecuador’s capital city, Quito. If you’re flying in today, your Active Adventures South America trip leader will meet you at the airport or your accommodation in the late morning. This afternoon, we’ll head to Cotopaxi, one of Ecuador’s most spectacular mountains in the heart of the Valley of the Volcanoes. Here we’ll make ourselves at home at Hacienda La Alegria, a typical, family-run Ecuadorian ranch, and meet our hosts, locals Gabriel and Patty. Try your hand at milking the cows, wander around and check out the amazing scenery, or just relax inside this beautiful home and enjoy Patty’s incredible cooking!Hacienda La Alegria, Cotopaxi (Lunch, Dinner)

Monday — Cycle down Cotopaxi volcano

The centrepiece of Cotopaxi National Park is the perfect cone-like, snow-capped peak of Cotopaxi at 5897 metres (19,347 feet). Today we cycle down one of the world's highest active volcanoes! You can ride downhill at your own pace through the volcanic landscape and beautiful lakes that encircle Cotopaxi, ending your ride at about 3000 metres (10,000 feet). The scenery is magical! Afterwards, we’ll drive through the 'Valley of the Volcanoes' to Baños, a beautiful mountain village in the Rio Pastaza Valley.Please note: Due to recent volcanic activity, some areas on Cotopaxi have been temporarily closed so we may not be able to complete our normal downhill ride. Please check in with us to see to if the area has re-opened as this could happen at any time. For our alternate option (if needed), we’ll be heading over to the neighbouring Antisana National Reserve for some awesome riding.Hotel Volcano, Baños (All meals)

Tuesday — Free time in Baños

Baños, nestled between the Rio Pastaza canyon and Tungurahua volcano, is a playground for adventure activities. There are lots of optional activities here, including canyoning, biking, rafting, horse riding and even salsa dancing lessons! The magnificent, subtropical cloud forest here offers incredible hikes and the town is charming too. There are hot springs, great cafés, a beautiful town square and rows of little stores along the sidewalk where the locals weave melocha (toffee).Hotel Volcano, Baños (Breakfast, Dinner)

Wednesday — Amazon jungle hike, visit an indigenous family

Today we’ll head out of Baños and down the Rio Pastaza Valley. The high cloud forest gives way to lush rainforest, sweeping all the way down the canyon walls into the river below as we descend into Ecuador’s Amazon jungle lowlands. After lunch we’ll journey by motorised canoe to visit the Amazonico Animal Rescue Centre where we can see volunteers helping threatened species, such as capybara, anaconda, ocelots and tucan, to readapt to their natural habitat, ready for release back into the wild. Afterwards we’ll take the time to visit a local Napo River family. This is a real highlight of the trip – you’ll learn how these small indigenous communities maintain their traditional ways of life and get some sense of the important role the rainforest plays in their lives. Itamandi Eco Lodge, Arajuno River (All meals)

Thursday — Waterfalls hike, soak in hot springs

We’ll travel deeper into the rainforest today and hike along a stream to a series of waterfalls. With our guides by your side, we’ll safely pick our way up through the plunging water. This is a wonderful chance to cool off and it’s a lot of fun! Once we’re above the waterfalls, we traverse a rainforest ridge to the trailhead. After lunch, we head back into the highlands to Papallacta, taking in the cloud forest and mountain views along the way. Tonight, we’ll soak in glorious hot springs that sit right outside our rooms.Termas Papallacta, Ecuadorian Cloud Forest (All meals)

Friday — Hike in Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve, Quito

This morning we’ll hike in the wet Andean grasslands, beginning at the South American continental divide around 3000 metres (10,000 feet) and make our way back down to the lodge. The weather here is changeable, so we have a variety of hikes to choose from depending on the conditions. This reserve, full of grasslands and little lakes, is the natural habitat of the spectacled bear, so we’ll keep our eyes peeled for the chance to see one. Then we’ll travel back to Quito where we’ll have the afternoon free to explore the city. We’ll meet again this evening for our final celebratory dinner in Ecuador.Hotel Sebastian, Quito (All meals)

Saturday — Quito, depart for home

Today is the last day of your 'Tapir' trip. If you have time to spare, we’re happy to help with some ideas for what you can do for the rest of your time here. You’ll return home relaxed and refreshed from all the great activities, fine food and friendly people you’ve met while travelling with us in Ecuador!(Breakfast)

Useful Info

No Forced Single Supplement:

Most other travel companies charge all solo travellers a single supplement fee. We don't! When it comes to accommodation, our trip fares are based on a twin-share rate, which means we'll match you up with another person of the same gender to share a room with. If there's no one suitable to share with, there's no forced single supplement! Having said that, if you specifically request your own room, you can opt to pay the additional single supplement fee.

Trip start:

If you arrive on the first day of the trip, an Active Adventures South America representative will meet you at the Quito airport (UIO) at 11am. If you’re already in Quito, you’ll meet your trip leader and the rest of your group in the lobby of Hotel Sebastian at 12 noon.

Trip end:

You can fly out at any time on the last day of the trip.

Recommended flights:

You can fly into Quito first thing in the morning on the first day of the trip, though we recommend you arrive anytime the day before. On the last day of the trip you can fly out any time. If you need to fly out earlier, you can fly out of Quito anytime after 7pm on Friday. If you want to arrive earlier or leave later, we’re happy to help you out with extra hotel accommodation bookings.

Accommodation:

The 'Tapir' is an active adventure trip that takes you to some wild and remote areas of Ecuador. We’ve chosen accommodations for their comfort, cleanliness and charm – not the number of channels available on the television. Having said that, even the remote jungle lodges have private rooms with mosquito nets, a hammock outside and great views!

Fitness:

The ‘Tapir’ is an active hiking trip, and has options to suit a wide range of fitness levels and outdoor experience. If you keep reasonably active and like to give things a go, you’re likely to enjoy the trip much more. Typically, hikes on the ‘Tapir’ trip range between three and six hours to complete.

Reviews

ECUADOR South America

“I had an incredible trip exploring the beautiful scenery of Ecuador. Our guide Hiro was extremely informative and his erudition was obvious; also had the opportunity to meet his vivacious daughter who brought another great personality to our group! Our small group was awesome and I had a great time getting to know each member. I enjoyed the active aspect of the trip, everything from cycling, hiking, and ascending waterfalls in the Amazon was a perennial experience!! Definitely will be joining Active on another trio!!

Ps: food was amazing!!”

Matt White – Wyoming, United StatesSeptember 2016

Tapir

“Great trip and trip leader.”

Ed Wallace – Hawaii, United StatesJanuary 2016

Ecuador Active Adventure

“The trip was full of excitement. Each day we went on a memorable experience. We were also able to interact with local people which would have been difficult if we planned the trip on our own.”

Jack Green – Ohio, United StatesJanuary 2016

Great sights, people, and adventure!

“Had an amazing trip to Ecuador with my family. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly, he even had us to his family's home for a local meal. I loved all of the active trips; it was a unique way to see areas of an unfamiliar country. We could not have loved our group more; strangers turned into friends! So many great memories!”

Kelsey Green – Ohio, United StatesJanuary 2016

Dec 27 2015 Tapir with Jhayro

“Amazing trip exploring so much of Ecuador, a beautiful and diverse country. Active it was! We had many adventures we could not have done on our own. Great group, great itinerary and great friends made on this trip.”

Patty Green – Ohio, United StatesJanuary 2016

Tapir

“Jhayro was a great guide, and made the trip a great one, even helping to expand my Spanish vocabulary. A brilliant trip that everyone should take”

Jo Peebles – North Lanarkshire, United KingdomSeptember 2016

Exquisite Ecuador

“From the ancient crumbling Spanish architecture of Quito, to the majestic glaciers, mountain grasslands, volcanoes and the Amazon...Ecuador is a scenic feast for the eyes and a country of amazements for nature buffs. Very few tourists, with gentle helpful locals, so if you can - go! After the earthquake devastation on the coast they could use the tourist dollars.”

Row Hanley – New South Wales, AustraliaMay 2016

A great trip.

“The change of the first day's program did not reach me. Having to be "bike ready" was possible as people were so helpful but not the better way.”

Margaret Wells – Texas, United StatesMay 2016

I love Ecuador

“Challenge yourself to new things and people: this is Tapir”

Suzy Auchterlonie – California, United StatesJanuary 2016

Great active trip

“I recently took the Tapir trip in Ecuador. The trip was active and exciting, which is what I expected. The person touch is what makes the difference. We were able to eat local food and spend time with local folks which really added the cultural piece too.”

Debbie Proctor – Alabama, United StatesNovember 2015

Tapir

“Despite landslides and rain, Jhayro (our HERO guide) was able to come through with alternative activities. Ecuador is a small country with so much to do and see! Ecuadorians we met were all warm, friendly, and helpful. Accommodations, tours, food, and group dynamics were all outstanding!”

Heidi Brown – California, United StatesAugust 2015

Mainland Ecuador

“I have not been able to stop raving about this trip. Jhayro was an amazing guide. When weather in the Amazon did not cooperate with the itinerary, Jharyo had an amazing alternative to go hike the Quilotoa Crater. The view here is unlike anything I have ever seen before.”

Sarah Markell – New York, United StatesAugust 2015

Close & Personal with Ecuador Countryside

“The people and places were breathtaking!!!!!”

Barbara Markell – New York, United StatesAugust 2015

Active Adventures - Tapir

“We compared several tour companies and decided to use Active Adventures based on their "giving back to the community" philosophy and the array of activities available.

The adventure was incredible and we couldn't have lucked out more by having Jhayro as the group leader. His professionalism, knowledge and infectious personality amplified the whole experience.”

Vicky Stephens – West Virginia, United StatesJune 2015

Trip of a Lifetime

“This is my second trip with Active Adventures and I can say it was an awesome time. I really enjoyed the waterfall canyoning, zip lining and bungee jumping. I plan to return to Ecuador for the Galapagos Islands trip.”

Dan Kocon – Tennessee, United StatesJune 2015

May 2015 Ecuador Tapir trip with Jhayro

“Trip of a lifetime...the cloud forest was spectacular! Jhayro was wonderful, knowledgeable and worked hard to make our trip a lot of fun.”

Colleen Drenckhahn – Minnesota, United StatesMay 2015

“I found the trip to be very exciting and full of adventure. Jhayro was a great leader and filled the moments with the best Quito and surrounding areas have to offer. I was just going to do the Galapago's trip but so happy that I chose to do both. You can check out my pictures on facebook, Cynthia Rothrock in the photo album Ecuador Quito/Galapagos. I highly recommend this trip.”

Cynthia Rothrock – California, United StatesMay 2015

Fantastic Trip

“Great guide and driver. Perfect mix of activities. Saw so much without burning too much time in transit. Have already recommended Active and the Tapir Trip to friends.”

Melinda Dutton – New York, United StatesMay 2015

Adventures in Ecuador

“The Tapir trip is more than we expected in that is was truly an "active" trip. Adrenaline rushes included mountain biking down Cotopaxi Volcano and hiking up a waterfall! Ecuador is a beautiful country with volcanoes, mountains and canyons, rivers, cloud forests, tropical forests, jungles and beaches. The Tapir trip has something for everyone and our guide's enthusiasm and love of his country added to the experience.”

Ann Smith – California, United StatesApril 2015

Fantastic Trip!

“The beauty of Ecuador along with our outstanding guide Jhayro made this trip a once in a lifetime experience. I cannot possibly say enough about how well run this trip was. I'm looking forward to my next Active Adventures trip!”

Dan Sandy – Wisconsin, United StatesMarch 2015

5 Stars, all day, every day!

“Everything on this trip was exceptional! From the food and lodging to the guides and adventures, this trip was absolutely amazing. I successfully challenged myself everyday and experienced things I never imagined I would. I ate bugs(which were delicious), ziplined over a kilometer across the Andes, biked down a volcano, gained some culture with a local rainforest village, hiked UP a waterfall, and made some amazing new friends. Lynette and the Active Team took such good care of us, too. They had everything planned so we didn't have to think twice about anything. I've never had such a great time on a trip, ever! Thanks for the memories, I'll cherish them, and I can't wait to go back!”

Shelby Singleton – North Carolina, United StatesMarch 2015

Great time in Ecuador!

“Had a great time in Ecuador. The trip was a great mix of active and relaxing time. Hiking, cycling, scenery and good people. Loved the Zip line and waterfall hiking in the jungle. Follow that with a relaxing day in the hot springs. Bliss! Jhayro was a great guide. His knowledge was wonderful and he was very available with his time. A great trip with so much to do, great accommodations, delicious food and wonderful memories. Thanks Active!”

Damon Weimer – Washington, United StatesMarch 2015

Into the Valley of the Volcanoes

“It was a fascinating trip through the valley of the volcanoes and across the countryside. Thanks to our guide Jhayro who was very knowledgeable and helpful. I would also like to mention our driver Eduardo who was skillful, patient and helpful. He navigated through traffic in crowded towns and through steep mountain roads expertly and never made us feel unsafe.

The main highlight of this trip was the biking down the volcano Cotopaxi. We drove through rough terrain up the volcano Cotopaxi until we could feel the freezing wind coming down from the glaciers on top of the volcano. This volcano was as imposing as it was stunning. The glaciers looked magnificent and we were all tremendously excited about our ride. We started riding down on rough terrain and it was exhilarating. The sights were astonishing and frequently we would stop and admire the volcano and the stark surroundings. This was the highlight of our trip.

Our time in Banos was very pleasant. The volcano Tungurahua overlooked this picturesque little mountain town. We enjoyed hiking and rafting. We loved wandering the streets of this little town and experiencing a slice of Ecuadorian life. There was a lot of street art that was intriguing. The waterfalls and public baths were fascinating. We stayed in Hotel Samari which was excellent. There was a resident peacock and there was even a piano in a gazebo in the middle of the expansive grounds! We also enjoyed the spa and the hot tub at the hotel.

Another highlight was the boat ride on the Napo River. It was wonderful to experience the river and its surrounding rainforests which were vibrant, full of life and seemed impenetrable.

We also enjoyed the hot spring resort Termas Papallacta. While soaking in the hot springs which were right in front of our hotel rooms we were suddenly visited by a Sword-billed Hummingbird. It fed on the nectar of the Angel’s Trumpet flower that bloomed right next to the hot spring. We were shocked at seeing this amazing bird. Its bill was longer than its entire body! This was another highlight of our trip. We soaked in the hot waters until the sun set over the impressive Andes mountains.

Overall it was a fascinating and wonderful trip across mountains, rivers and rainforests. The Ecuadorian landscape will forever remain in my fondest memory.”

Swarnal Borthakur – Idaho, United StatesJanuary 2015

A truly active trip in Ecuador!

“This trip was a great way to see a lot of Ecuador in a little time! You are always on the move but it never felt like too much traveling. We enjoyed all of the activities from horseback riding to mountain biking to canyoning and hiking. Ecuador is a beautiful country with amazing scenery and worth taking the time to explore!”

Melissa Scotti – New York, United StatesDecember 2014

Fantastic Active Adventure

“This trip lived up to everything I hoped it would. Amazing people, scenery and experiences. Thank you Active Adventures once again”

Bhoopat Patel – , United KingdomNovember 2014

I love Ecuador :)

“Jhayro was an excellent tour guide and did an outstanding job of showing us his country. The itinerary is well thought out with great food and accommodations. From the bike ride down Cotopaxi to the trip in the Amazon and canyoning up waterfalls - all was great!! I would recommend this trip to anyone.”

Amy Schliem – South Carolina, United StatesSeptember 2014

A multisport trip in an Ecuador you never imagined!

“I expected a fun trip but I was nicely surprised. It was really a great trip. Very well paced and Jhayro (our guide) was very accommodating! It was nice to meet with his family too. I liked the introduction to the different fruits and unusual snacks. The highlight of my trip was the waterfalls hike in Pimpilala but everything else was well done. La Hacienda was amazing and the horseback ride across the fields was very relaxing. I am a novice rider and the owner himself together with his crew made sure each one of us was assigned a horse suitable to the level of the rider. The experience was so uplifting that I am thinking about riding horses now. As for the bike ride, there was a van behind us at all times. If we wanted to rest, they picked up the bike and we joined the group when you feel like it. The rainforest and the thermal baths were another show of what Ecuador has to offer. If there is anything to change in this trip, maybe make it a couple of days longer to enjoy Ecuador diversity. With 4 solo travellers, Active Adventures can definitely advertize itself as the best available option for solos in adventure tourism. I will definitely choose Active South America again. Thanks”

Manal Hassan – Ohio, United StatesSeptember 2014

Superb Adventure

“Exactly what the web brochure promised and more. Every day was filled with fun activities, beautiful vistas, and plenty of very good food. Moreover, we got to experience the real Ecuador: local food, coffee, great ice cream, the Amazon, and so many native animals! To remember the trip were many unique souvenirs, picturesque accommodations & sites and wonderful people. Sooo special...!”

Tim Touzel – South Carolina, United StatesSeptember 2014

Great experience

“I decided to do the Tapir trip without knowing much about Ecuador and was pleasantly surprised to discover an amazing country with tons of activities and such a variety of climates- it was like seeing three countries in one trip! Definitely recommend it”

Jackie Brown – New York, United StatesSeptember 2014

A Round Trip of Equador

“Each day was packed from beginning to end. We rode horses on day one, then mountain biking on day two. Although the weather was a bit difficult I felt comfortable on my very first trip on mountain bikes as Jhayro made sure that the other guides stayed with me and helped me all the way to the end. The next day was delicious with a much needed massage and relaxing around Banos. I also experienced my first zip-line which was extremely scary, but a great experience. The waterfalls were beautiful and worth the hike through the narrow cave-like walkway. But the best part of the trip was conyoning the waterfalls. Besides a beautiful hike expertly led by Jharo who again took care that I was not ever left alone as the last hiker, he encouraged me to climb the falls and made sure I was secure and comfortable in accomplishing the task. It will be the part of this section of our two weeks that I will always remember. The Amazon was amazing, the family wonderful, the experience fun. Finally the last day at the spa relaxed us and prepared me for the next juncture of the trip. Needless to say the food and accommodations were better than I ever expected.”

Marion Touzel – South Carolina, United StatesSeptember 2014

Ecuador, and amazing country!

“When I signed up for the TAPIR trip, I had no idea I was in for a total immersion in all of the varied and different areas of Ecuador. From the busy city of Quito, to the vast beauty of Cotopaxi, then to Banos for relaxation and shopping and the Amazon and Highlands, Ecuador has something to offer everyone. I was very impressed with how very nice and cordial all of the Ecuadorian people were. Many asked me where I was from and welcomed me to their country. The Ecuadorians are very proud of their country. The food was fabulous also and I enjoyed getting to experience both home made meals and local restaurant fare. And the activities chosen kept us busy but the schedule also allowed us relaxation time. The activities were challenging but not so much that they could not be done. I loved the waterfall canyoneering and our unplanned side trip that Jhayro arranged to zipline the valley. The visit to Ivan and his Amazon home was an experience I will never forget. I have wonderful photos of the happy children and our face painting. I really cannot think of anything that I did not like about this trip. If anyone in our group needed something, Jhayro was right on it and it was done. All you had to do was ask. My friends are very intrigued with this trip and I have sent them the information. It truly is a bucket list trip, and I was very pleased with the variety of things we accomplished on the trip!”

Pat Maccariella-Hafey – South Carolina, United StatesAugust 2014

Variety is the spice of life

“I had no idea Ecuador has so much to offer. This trip provides a great combination of activities to showcase the beauty of Ecuador.”

Jen Hallett – Georgia, United StatesJune 2014

A Trip to Remember

“It usually takes less than a day, for work to negate all the good a vacation has done for my peace of mind. Not with this trip. I came home jazzed enough to drive my colleagues nuts with all my renewed energy and zest for life!”

Laura-Lee Love – California, United StatesMay 2014

Active Tapir

“Both mind and body loved it! This trip fulfilled the "active adventure;" fun physical activity while exploring the diversity of culture and regions that mainland Ecuador has to offer.”

Geoffrey Love – California, United StatesMay 2014

An amazingly action-packed week in a super diverse country!

“Such a fun way to explore some of Ecuador's highlights! Why stand outside yet another plaza or church taking photos, when you can instead be speeding down Cotapaxi on a mountain bike, climbing waterfalls in the Amazon, and rafting through the rivers of Banos?! From the point of initial enquiry, right through to trip delivery, Active Adventures were a thoroughly professional and super friendly company to deal with. Definitely look forward to going on more adventures with them in the future.”

Vanessa Thomas – New South Wales, AustraliaMay 2014

Tapir trip review

“I'd say it exceeded my expectations!”

Richard Wohl – Ontario, CanadaMarch 2014

So much fun stuff in one week!

“Mountains, then Jungle, then back to the mountains. This sums up Tapir. Everyday I found myself challenged and had fun doing it. A MUST for anyone who wants an active trip in Ecuador.”

Jason Waitkins – New York, United StatesMarch 2014

Traveling Tapir

“Lots of varied activities and interesting cultural experiences on this mainland Ecuador trip. This is a good adventure for those wanting to experience various eco-systems in Ecuador.”

Laura Johnston – Colorado, United StatesDecember 2013

From Volcanos to the Amazon Jungle

“This trip was quite good and Jhayro was great! The highlight for me was the hike up the river climbing up the waterfalls. The active piece definitely pushes you, but not beyond what you are capable of. Would have enjoyed slightly less driving around, but overall a very good trip and I'm glad we tacked it on to the Galapagos (Tortuga) trip.”

Lisa Fagan – California, United StatesNovember 2013

Tapir trip

“It was an amazing trip with our guide Jhayro and the eight members of our group. I liked the fact that most of the decision making was done by Active Adventures and they seemed to know exactly what we wanted to do. It was nice to have someone else take care of all the details including lodging, meals and transportation. All we had to worry about was to enjoy the beautiful scenery, the adventure, and the comradery of our group. Our guide was all that we could ask for and more. He clearly had us and our enjoyment in his best interest. I loved the fact that this flatlander from Kansas could spend time and bond with interesting people from Russia, England, Singapore, Venezuela and Colorado. The conversation around the dinner table each evening was incredible. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone!”

Chuck Thomas – Kansas, United StatesAugust 2013

Great experience!

“Tapir was a great way to explore Ecuador, from the Cotopaxi Volcano to the Amazon Jungle. The highlight of the trip was being able to taste home-cooked Ecuadorian cuisine made by the wife of our guide - Jhayro.”

Joyce Lim – , SingaporeAugust 2013

We highly recommend the trip.

“Great trip. Excellent mix of adventures. Lodging was super. Food local and tasty.”

Why travel with Active Adventures?

Legendary Kiwi Hospitality

Above all, we aim to be amazing hosts. We're proud of our kiwi roots, and our professional, warm and relaxed style of running trips around the world is unforgettable.

Expert LOCAL Guides & Trip Leaders

We're VERY picky about who we select to work in our team, and we have people from all over the world lining up to guide our trips. So we get to hire the absolute BEST in the business.

Everything is Included

As soon as you get off the plane, we've got all the details of your vacation covered – top notch meals, comfortable transport & accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.

A Sense of Achievement

Whether you’re new to adventure travel, or you’ve never travelled in a group before, you’ll find yourself arriving home positively different from when you left.

Small Groups

With our small groups (no more than 14), you'll get to know our team, your fellow travellers, and have the flexibility and freedom to do as much (or as little!) as you like.

Diverse Experiences

It's all about getting there under your own steam – on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike. What better way is there to experience mind blowing scenery? If it's your first time, no worries – our expert guides have got you covered.